John W. McFarland

John W. McFarland, age 89, of Greencastle, passed away on Monday, January 28, 2013 at Asbury Towers. Born August 16, 1923 in Elkton, TN, he was the son of Henry and Addie (Gowan) McFarland. He was an Army Aircorp veteran having served in WWII and was a Technical Sargent serving on the Gold Coast of Africa. John attended Martin College in Pulaski, TN, where he met his wife, Nancy (Elliott) McFarland, sharing 65 years together; she preceded him in death on May 31, 2012. John furthered his education receiving his Bachelor’s Degree from DePauw University, his PhD from Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, and his post-doctoral study at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He was employed as a research Chemist with DuPont Chemical for six years in Wilmington, DE, prior to coming to DePauw University, where he taught in the Chemistry Department for 33 years retiring Emeritus in 1994. During his career at DePauw, he also served as assistant dean of students, chemistry department head, and pre-medical/pre-dental advisor. John had also served as pastor in the Methodist churches in Carbon, Fillmore, Canaan, and Bainbridge. John was a member of the Gobin Memorial United Methodist Church, Phi Beta Kappa Fraternity, Kiwanis, and a member for over 50 years of the American Chemical Society. He had also been active with Habitat for Humanity Survivors include his children, Kathryn (Gary) Witham of Brazil, John W. (Judith) McFarland III of Newark, NJ, Philip E. (Julia)) McFarland of Rockville, and N. Angela (Fredrick) Green of Indianapolis; a brother, George McFarland of Nashville, TN; a sister, Betty McFarland Jordan of Elkton, TN; 11 grandchildren; and two great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, four sisters, and two brothers. A Memorial Service will celebrate John’s Life on Saturday, February 2, 2013 at 10:00 am at Gobin Memorial United Methodist Church, with Rev. Dr. P.T. Wilson officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday, February 1, 2013 from 3 to 8 pm at the Bittles and Hurt Funeral Home. Memorials may be made in John’s name to the local Habitat for Humanity or Kiwanis.